Food & Wine Magazine has announced the winners of their American Wine Awards for 2008. I was thrilled to see among the judges – Alder Yarrow, brilliant blogger over at Vinography.
I also noticed Doug Frost’s name. Doug is a Master Sommelier and Master
of Wine from whom Kevin & I have taken a few classes. I can
definitely attribute my affinity for Spanish wines to Doug.

In case you’re wondering about the winemaker of the year, Celia
Masyczek, she makes cult cabs. Apparently she’s quite sought after
right now, and probably more so after this.

Have you had many of these wines? I believe I’ve had the A to Z and the
Schramsberg. Otherwise, I’l be seeking out a few of these wines. If any
of my retailer friends are looking for ideas for a tasting table, these
would be some interesting selections.

WINEMAKER OF THE YEAR Celia Masyczek, Napa Valley, CA

BEST NEW WINERY Breggo Cellars, Anderson Valley, CA

BEST IMPORTER
Neal Rosenthal of Rosenthal Wine Merchant, New York

BEST WINES UNDER $20

CHARDONNAY 2007 FoxGlove ($15)

SAUVIGNON BLANC 2007 Brander Santa Ynez Valley ($15)

PINOT NOIR 2006 A To Z Wineworks Oregon ($18)

MERLOT 2005 Raymond R Collection ($15)

CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2005 Columbia Crest H3 ($15)

ZINFANDEL 2006 Edmeades Mendocino County ($18)

SYRAH 2006 Qupe Central Coast ($16)

BEST WINES OVER $20

CHARDONNAY 2005 Ramey Ritchie Vineyard ($65)

SAUVIGNON BLANC 2007 Cliff Lede Napa Valley ($22)

PINOT NOIR 2005 Talley Vineyards Rosemary’s Vineyard ($38)

MERLOT 2005 Shafer Napa Valley ($45)

SYRAH 2006 Tensley Colson Canyon Vineyard ($38)

ZINFANDEL 2005 Bella Lily Hill Estate ($36)

CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2004 Harlan Estate ($600)

BORDEAUX BLEND 2005 Dominus ($129)

OUTSTANDING SPARKLING WINE 2004 Schramsberg Blanc De Blancs ($35)

__Don’t forget to sign up for the wine tasting benefiting the
Krystal Pepper Memorial Scholarship. It’s Sept 11, 6-8 pm at the Party
Source. Pre-registration only. Sign up here. Time is running out!